In Vivo Effects of a GHR Synthesis Inhibitor During Prolonged Treatment in Dogs

Background: The activation of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a major determinant of body growth. Defective GHR signaling, as seen in human Laron dwarfism, resulted in low plasma IGF-1 concentrations and limited growth, but also marked absence in the development of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. In vitro, we identified a small molecule (C#1) that inhibits the translation of GHR mRNA to receptor protein. Methods: Before its application in humans as a potential anticancer drug, C#1 was tested in animals to evaluate whether it could be administered to achieve a plasma concentration in vivo that inhibits cell proliferation in vitro without causing unwanted toxicity. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of C#1, a group of six intact female Beagle dogs was treated daily each morning for 90 days with an oral solution of C#1 in Soiae oleum emulgatum at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. During treatment, dogs were closely monitored clinically, and blood samples were taken to measure plasma C#1 concentrations, complete blood counts (CBC), clinical chemistry, and endocrinology. At the end of the treatment, dogs were euthanized for gross and histopathological analysis. An additional group of six female Beagle dogs was included for statistical reasons and only evaluated for efficacy during treatment for 30 days. Results: Daily administration of C#1 resulted in a constant mean plasma concentration of approximately 50 nmol/L. In both groups, two out of six dogs developed decreased appetite and food refusal after 4-5 weeks, and occasionally diarrhea. No significant effects in CBC or routine clinical chemistry were seen. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations, used as biomarkers for defective GHR signaling, significantly decreased by 31% over time. As plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations decreased by 51% as well, no proof of GHR dysfunction could be established. The measured 43% decrease in plasma acylated/non-acylated ghrelin ratios will also lower plasma GH concentrations by reducing activation of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR). C#1 did not directly inhibit the GHSR in vivo, as shown in vitro. There were no significant effects on glucose, lipid, or folate/homocysteine metabolism. Conclusions: It is concluded that with daily dosing of 0.1 mg C#1/kg body weight, the induction of toxic effects prevented further increases in dosage. Due to the concomitant decrease in both IGF-1 and GH, in vivo inhibition of GHR could not be confirmed. Since the concept of specific inhibition of GHR synthesis by small molecules remains a promising strategy, searching for compounds similar to C#1 with lower toxicity should be worthwhile.